Zal and Rudabeh · A8.16

Sindokht and Sahm Come to an Agreement

Sindokht’s embassy separates an endangered population from the genealogy of its rulers. Safe conduct makes truthful self-identification possible, and an oath turns recognition into security.

F&R English · 99 couplets · 10 commentary entries

Parallel text ↓Commentary ↓

The chapter in five texts

Text	Chapter treatment and distinctive choices
F&R English	Ninety-nine couplets sustain the full diplomatic argument, oaths, recognition and property settlement.
Moscow	Pp 210–217 retain the embassy and its protective outcome, with expanded local passages bracketed.
Mohl	Pp 160–164 carry the helmet, safe conduct, plea for innocent people and concrete settlement.
Ganjoor	Sh17 has 92 couplets. Its mehr differs locally from English “seal,” while the larger argumentative sequence is retained.
Khaleghi	The embassy is consulted within pp 237–244. The woman’s identified relationship, accepted oath and property grant remain distinct stages.

Parallel text

English left · Persian right. Ganjoor is the reference except where a row names a printed source. Select a number to open the relevant note. G identifiers distinguish digital sections across chapter boundaries.

1–10+

The treasures sent, she donned a warrior’s guise,

And passed the guarded gates before their eyes.

A Roman helmet gleamed upon her head,

In warrior’s guise along the road she sped.

Her charger flew as swiftly as the gale,

And left the guarded road behind her trail.

Like Azargashasp in her bearing bright,

She rode toward Sahm resolved to face his might.

She gave no name, nor let her rank be known,

But reached brave Sahm’s encampment all alone.

She bade the knowing warders bear her word,

And only as Mehrab’s envoy be heard:

“An envoy comes from Kabul to this place,

To speak with Sahm, the chief of warlike race,

A message sent from Mehrab’s royal hand

To him who holds dominion over the land.”

The chamberlain conveyed the message clear;

Sahm granted audience, curious to hear.

She dismounted, bowed low upon the ground,

And praised both Shah and Sahm with measured sound.

چو شد ساخته کار خود بر نشست

چو گردی به مردی میان را ببست

یکی ترگ رومی به سر بر نهاد

یکی باره زیراندرش همچو باد

بیامد گرازان به درگاه سام

نه آواز داد و نه برگفت نام

به کار آگهان گفت تا ناگهان

بگویند با سرفراز جهان

که آمد فرستاده‌ای کابلی

به نزد سپهبد یل زابلی

ز مهراب گرد آوریده پیام

به نزد سپهبد جهانگیر سام

بیامد بر سام یل پرده‌دار

بگفت و بفرمود تا داد بار

فرود آمد از اسپ سیندخت و رفت

به پیش سپهبد خرامید تفت

زمین را ببوسید و کرد آفرین

ابر شاه و بر پهلوان زمین

Ganjoor · m17:1-9

11–19+

Before him stretched her tribute far and wide:

Rich gifts and slaves and beasts in ordered stride.

From Sahm’s own gate the train stretched far away,

For two full measures in its bright array.

Attendants, horses, elephants in line

Made all the road with ordered tribute shine.

Sahm drew his arms in, lowered down his head,

Like one half-drunk before the wealth outspread.

“What land can hold such wealth, such boundless store,

What custom sends one woman to my door?

If I accept, the Shah may take offense;

If I refuse, Zal’s grief will grow intense.

He may take wing like Simorgh through the sky,

Then ask what answer I can give; and why.”

At last he spoke: “These gifts shall not be mine;

To Zal’s own treasury send them all in line.

Record them there in Rudabeh’s fair name,

The Moon of Kabul, bright with royal fame.”

نثار و پرستنده و اسپ و پیل

رده بر کشیده ز در تا دو میل

یکایک همه پیش سام آورید

سر پهلوان خیره شد کان بدید

پر اندیشه بنشست برسان مست

بکش کرده دست و سرافگنده پست

که جایی کجا مایه چندین بود

فرستادن زن چه آیین بود

گراین خواسته زو پذیرم همه

ز من گردد آزرده شاه رمه

و گر بازگردانم از پیش زال

برآرد به کردار سیمرغ بال

برآورد سر گفت کاین خواسته

غلامان و پیلان آراسته

برید این به گنجور دستان دهید

به نام مه کابلستان دهید

Ganjoor · m17:10-17

20–28+

Sindokht rejoiced; she saw good fortune rise,

And knew that evil faded from her eyes.

Three maidens came, each idol-faced and fair,

With jasmine bodies, cypress-tall and rare.

Each in her hand a jeweled goblet bore,

And stepped with measured grace across the floor.

Red rubies and bright pearls each vessel filled;

Before the chief their jeweled wealth was spilled.

They poured them out before the hero’s gaze,

A shining tribute offered to his praise.

When all withdrew and strangers left the place,

She turned to Sahm and spoke with steady grace:

“Your wisdom grants the old their youth again,

And teaches wisdom to the greatest men.

Through you the road of darkness turns to light;

The wise grow wiser standing in your sight.

Your seal has bound the hand that evil led;

Your gorz has opened God’s true road ahead.

پری روی سیندخت بر پیش سام

زبان کرد گویا و دل شادکام

چو آن هدیه‌ها را پذیرفته دید

رسیده بهی و بدی رفته دید

سه بت روی با او به یک جا بدند

سمن پیکر و سرو بالا بدند

گرفته یکی جام هر یک به دست

بفرمود کامد به جای نشست

به پیش سپهبد فرو ریختند

همه یک به دیگر برآمیختند

چو با پهلوان کار بر ساختند

ز بیگانه خانه بپرداختند

چنین گفت سیندخت با پهلوان

که با رای تو پیر گردد جوان

بزرگان ز تو دانش آموختند

به تو تیرگیها برافروختند

به مهر تو شد بسته دست بدی

به گرزت گشاده ره ایزدی

Ganjoor · m17:18-26

29–34+

If fault there was, it lay with Mehrab’s hand;

His eyes hold heart-blood shed for Kabul’s land.

Why should the innocent heads of Kabul fall?

What guilt have they committed, one and all?

They live to serve you, dust beneath your feet,

And deem your favor all their joy complete.

Fear Him who fashioned mind and strength on high,

Bright Venus and the sun within the sky.

Such slaughter cannot please the Maker’s will;

He did not shape the world for needless ill.

Gird not your strength for slaughter and for flame;

Let mercy, not bloodshed, attend your name.”

گنهکار گر بود مهراب بود

ز خون دلش دیده سیراب بود

سر بیگناهان کابل چه کرد

کجا اندر آورد باید بگرد

همه شهر زنده برای تواند

پرستنده و خاک پای تواند

ازان ترس کو هوش و زور آفرید

درخشنده ناهید و هور آفرید

نیاید چنین کارش از تو پسند

میان را به خون ریختن در مبند

Ganjoor · m17:27-31

35–43+

Then Sahm replied: “Speak plainly and be clear:

Are you his lesser, or his honored peer?

You speak of her whom Zal has sought to wed;

Describe her fully, all that can be said:

Her mind, her form, her stature and her face,

Her hair, her nature, and her inward grace.”

She answered: “First, before I speak at all,

Swear me an oath that stands beyond recall.

Swear that no harm shall touch me or my own,

And all the truth to you shall then be known.

I hold a palace, treasure, household, kin;

First grant me safety, then I shall begin.

To Zabul I will send our hidden store,

The wealth long guarded behind Kabul’s door.

And what else you may fittingly require,

I shall provide according to desire.”

Sahm took her hand and swore as she required;

He pledged her safety, just as she desired.

بدو سام یل گفت با من بگوی

ازان کت بپرسم بهانه مجوی

تو مهراب را کهتری گر همال

مر آن دخت او را کجا دید زال

به روی و به موی و به خوی و خرد

به من گوی تا باکی اندر خورد

ز بالا و دیدار و فرهنگ اوی

بران سان که دیدی یکایک بگوی

بدو گفت سیندخت کای پهلوان

سر پهلوانان و پشت گوان

یکی سخت پیمانت خواهم نخست

که لرزان شود زو بر و بوم و رست

که از تو نیاید به جانم گزند

نه آنکس که بر من بود ارجمند

مرا کاخ و ایوان آباد هست

همان گنج و خویشان و بنیاد هست

چو ایمن شوم هر چه گویی بگوی

بگویم بجویم بدین آب روی

نهفته همه گنج کابلستان

بکوشم رسانم به زابلستان

جزین نیز هر چیز کاندر خورد

ببیند ز من مهتر پر خرد

گرفت آن زمان سام دستش به دست

ورا نیک بنواخت و پیمان ببست

Ganjoor · m17:32-43

44–54+

She bowed, then rose once he had pledged his word,

And told the hidden truth that none had heard:

“My lineage springs from Zahhak’s ancient line;

My lord is Mehrab, warrior fierce and fine.

I am his consort, mother of that maid

For whom Zal’s heart in longing has been laid.

From deepest night until the dawn grew clear,

We called upon the Maker without fear.

All night we blessed the Shah, and Zal, and you,

And prayed that fortune favor all we do.

I come to learn what purpose fills your mind,

And what intent toward Kabul I shall find.

Who there is counted enemy or friend?

On knowing this our hopes and fears depend.

If we are guilty, evil in our seed,

Then crown and rule should pass from such a breed.

Here helpless I stand wholly in your hand;

Do what your judgment and your power command.

Strike whom you must, and bind whom you must bind;

Let guilt alone the weight of vengeance find.

But spare the innocent in Kabul’s keep;

Do not make guiltless hearts in sorrow weep.”

چو بشنید سیندخت سوگند او

همان راست گفتار و پیوند او

زمین را ببوسید و بر پای خاست

بگفت آنچه اندر نهان بود راست

که من خویش ضحاکم ای پهلوان

زن گرد مهراب روشن روان

همان مام رودابهٔ ماه روی

که دستان همی جان فشاند بروی

همه دودمان پیش یزدان پاک

شب تیره تا برکشد روز چاک

همی بر تو بر خواندیم آفرین

همان بر جهاندار شاه زمین

کنون آمدم تا هوای تو چیست

ز کابل ترا دشمن و دوست کیست

اگر ما گنهکار و بدگوهریم

بدین پادشاهی نه اندر خوریم

من اینک به پیش توام مستمند

بکش گر کشی ور ببندی ببند

دل بیگناهان کابل مسوز

کجا تیره روز اندر آید به روز

Ganjoor · m17:44-53

55–65+

Sahm listened well and saw before his sight

A woman wise, with soul both strong and bright.

Her face was spring, her form a cypress slim;

Her waist was narrow, every feature trim.

Her gait was like a pheasant, proud and fair;

Deep judgment marked her speech and every air.

He said: “My word shall stand, though life be lost;

My oath is firm, whatever be the cost.

Return in peace and dwell without alarm;

No shadow shall approach or bring you harm.

Throughout the world Zal could not find a bride

Like Rudabeh to stand as equal at his side.

Though sprung from other roots, your house I own

As worthy too of diadem and throne.

No shame is found in what the heavens send;

Against the Maker’s will no man can contend.

One rises high, another falls below;

Such is the world, as all its changes show.

One grows in wealth, another fades in need;

Prosperity and want in turn succeed.

Yet both at last return to earth and clay;

For all must meet the same appointed day.

سخنها چو بشنید ازو پهلوان

زنی دید با رای و روشن روان

به رخ چون بهار و به بالا چو سرو

میانش چو غرو و به رفتن تذرو

چنین داد پاسخ که پیمان من

درست است اگر بگسلد جان من

تو با کابل و هر که پیوند تست

بمانید شادان دل و تن‌درست

بدین نیز همداستانم که زال

ز گیتی چو رودابه جوید همال

شما گرچه از گوهر دیگرید

همان تاج و اورنگ را در خورید

چنین است گیتی وزین ننگ نیست

ابا کردگار جهان جنگ نیست

چنان آفریند که آیدش رای

نمانیم و ماندیم با های های

یکی بر فراز و یکی در نشیب

یکی با فزونی یکی با نهیب

یکی از فزایش دل آراسته

ز کمی دل دیگری کاسته

Ganjoor · m17:54-63

66–74+

I will support your cause and be your guide;

Your grief and pleading I cannot set aside.

To Manuchehr I wrote, my purpose shown,

And Zal has gone to make the matter known.

He flew as if no saddle held him fast,

His horse outstripped the winds that hurried past.

The bird-raised youth stood weeping in a flood;

His tears had pooled around his feet like mud.

The Shah will answer kindly to his plea;

For love has bent his spirit, you shall see.

If she returns his love with equal flame,

Both lovers might burst from their skins the same.

Now let me see this maid who caused such strife,

And won my dear son’s heart, and changed his life.

Now show me that young dragon’s child to see,

And take the fitting price you earn from me.

Her face may please me when she comes to view,

And what she says may prove her judgment true.”

یکی نامه با لابهٔ دردمند

نبشتم به نزدیک شاه بلند

به نزد منوچهر شد زال زر

چنان شد که گفتی برآورده پر

به زین اندر آمد که زین را ندید

همان نعل اسپش زمین را ندید

بدین زال را شاه پاسخ دهد

چو خندان شود رای فرخ نهد

که پروردهٔ مرغ بی‌دل شدست

از آب مژه پای در گل شدست

عروس ار به مهر اندرون همچو اوست

سزد گر برآیند هر دو ز پوست

یکی روی آن بچهٔ اژدها

مرا نیز بنمای و بستان بها

Ganjoor · m17:64-70

75–83+

She answered: “If you ride within our hall,

Your servant’s head will rise above them all.

Come with your steed into our palace bright;

Your coming will lift Kabul’s heart to light.

If Sahm should enter Kabul as its guide,

Our people gladly would lay life aside.

Our lives are yours; before you we shall stand,

If only you will honor Kabul’s land.”

He saw her lips now smiling, fear withdrawn,

The root of enmity from her heart gone.

He laughed and said: “Let fear no longer stay;

This matter soon shall move the wished-for way.”

She took her leave, her mission fully done,

Her face grew ruby-bright beneath the sun.

A courier swift she sent ahead in flight:

“Rejoice,” she said, “cast every fear from sight.

Prepare yourself to greet a noble guest;

I follow soon; let all be at its best.”

بدو گفت سیندخت اگر پهلوان

کند بنده را شاد و روشن روان

چماند به کاخ من اندر سمند

سرم بر شود به آسمان بلند

به کابل چنو شهریار آوریم

همه پیش او جان نثار آوریم

لب سام سیندخت پرخنده دید

همه بیخ کین از دلش کنده دید

نوندی دلاور به کردار باد

برافگند و مهراب را مژده داد

کز اندیشهٔ بد مکن یاد هیچ

دلت شاد کن کار مهمان بسیچ

من اینک پس نامه اندر دمان

بیایم نجویم به ره بر زمان

Ganjoor · m17:71-77

84–99+

Next day the sun sprang like a fountain clear,

And heads rose wakeful as the dawn drew near.

At Sahm’s great gate a stir of welcome ran:

“The moon of women comes,” cried every man.

Sindokht returned and bowed before the chief,

Then spoke at length, her heart released from grief.

She asked permission to return, and bring

Her joy to Kabul, to its waiting king.

“I must prepare to greet the coming guest,

And send the bridegroom home with bond expressed.”

He said, “Go forth, tell him all you have heard;

Let every plan proceed by rightful word.”

He gave rich robes and gifts for Mehrab’s share,

And gifts for Sindokht, splendid, rich, and rare.

For Rudabeh he sent choice gifts, well weighed,

Rich, fair, and fitting for the moon-faced maid.

He granted all he owned in Kabul’s land,

Its halls and gardens into Sindokht’s hand.

Its tilled estates, its herds, its household store,

Its robes and furnishings, and even more.

He gave them all to seal the peace they made,

A lordly gift in full before her laid.

He clasped her hand and swore again his vow:

“Be safe, and dread no enemy from now.

I take your daughter now for Zal to wed;

Let joy between the two of them be spread.”

Two hundred warriors joined her homeward train,

A guard of honor riding rein to rein.

With fortune favoring every step she made,

She turned toward home beneath that guarded aid.

Her moonlike face, once withered under care,

Now bloomed again, restored and shining fair.

دوم روز چون چشمهٔ آفتاب

بجنبید و بیدار شد سر ز خواب

گرانمایه سیندخت بنهاد روی

به درگاه سالار دیهیم جوی

روارو برآمد ز درگاه سام

مه بانوان خواندندش به نام

بیامد بر سام و بردش نماز

سخن گفت بااو زمانی دراز

به دستوری بازگشتن به جای

شدن شادمان سوی کابل خدای

دگر ساختن کار مهمان نو

نمودن به داماد پیمان نو

ورا سام یل گفت برگرد و رو

بگو آنچه دیدی به مهراب گو

سزاوار او خلعت آراستند

ز گنج آنچه پرمایه‌تر خواستند

بکابل دگر سام را هر چه بود

ز کاخ و زباغ و زکشت و درود

دگر چارپایان دوشیدنی

ز گستردنی هم ز پوشیدنی

به سیندخت بخشید و دستش بدست

گرفت و یکی نیز پیمان ببست

پذیرفت مر دخت او را بزال

که باشند هر دو بشادی همال

سرافراز گردی و مردی دویست

بدو داد و گفتش که ایدر مایست

به کابل بباش و به شادی بمان

ازین پس مترس از بد بدگمان

شگفته شد آن روی پژمرده ماه

به نیک اختری برگرفتند راه

Ganjoor · m17:78-92

Narrative and poetic form

The English gives Sindokht the stature her actual argument warrants. The most persuasive defense is textual: she requests protection before disclosure and mercy for innocents after it, and leaves with enforceable assurances rather than compliments alone.

Couplet commentary

Quoted text · evidence · interpretation

1–10A helmeted woman presents herself as an envoy

1–10

The treasures sent, she donned a warrior’s guise,

And passed the guarded gates before their eyes.

A Roman helmet gleamed upon her head,

In warrior’s guise along the road she sped.

Her charger flew as swiftly as the gale,

And left the guarded road behind her trail.

Like Azargashasp in her bearing bright,

She rode toward Sahm resolved to face his might.

She gave no name, nor let her rank be known,

But reached brave Sahm’s encampment all alone.

She bade the knowing warders bear her word,

And only as Mehrab’s envoy be heard:

“An envoy comes from Kabul to this place,

To speak with Sahm, the chief of warlike race,

A message sent from Mehrab’s royal hand

To him who holds dominion over the land.”

The chamberlain conveyed the message clear;

Sahm granted audience, curious to hear.

She dismounted, bowed low upon the ground,

And praised both Shah and Sahm with measured sound.

چو شد ساخته کار خود بر نشست

چو گردی به مردی میان را ببست

یکی ترگ رومی به سر بر نهاد

یکی باره زیراندرش همچو باد

بیامد گرازان به درگاه سام

نه آواز داد و نه برگفت نام

به کار آگهان گفت تا ناگهان

بگویند با سرفراز جهان

که آمد فرستاده‌ای کابلی

به نزد سپهبد یل زابلی

ز مهراب گرد آوریده پیام

به نزد سپهبد جهانگیر سام

بیامد بر سام یل پرده‌دار

بگفت و بفرمود تا داد بار

فرود آمد از اسپ سیندخت و رفت

به پیش سپهبد خرامید تفت

زمین را ببوسید و کرد آفرین

ابر شاه و بر پهلوان زمین

Ganjoor · m17:1-9

Textual evidence

The reference explicitly gives a Roman helmet, warrior-like bearing, an unannounced name and formal admission. Sahm subsequently recognizes that the envoy is a woman before learning her family identity.

Interpretation

The English’s martial presentation is source-based. “All alone” should denote the individual undertaking, not erase the gift train and attendants the English itself immediately describes. This is concealed identity, not a successful impersonation of a male stranger.

Return to parallel text

11–19Acceptance is directed toward the future bride

11–19

Before him stretched her tribute far and wide:

Rich gifts and slaves and beasts in ordered stride.

From Sahm’s own gate the train stretched far away,

For two full measures in its bright array.

Attendants, horses, elephants in line

Made all the road with ordered tribute shine.

Sahm drew his arms in, lowered down his head,

Like one half-drunk before the wealth outspread.

“What land can hold such wealth, such boundless store,

What custom sends one woman to my door?

If I accept, the Shah may take offense;

If I refuse, Zal’s grief will grow intense.

He may take wing like Simorgh through the sky,

Then ask what answer I can give; and why.”

At last he spoke: “These gifts shall not be mine;

To Zal’s own treasury send them all in line.

Record them there in Rudabeh’s fair name,

The Moon of Kabul, bright with royal fame.”

نثار و پرستنده و اسپ و پیل

رده بر کشیده ز در تا دو میل

یکایک همه پیش سام آورید

سر پهلوان خیره شد کان بدید

پر اندیشه بنشست برسان مست

بکش کرده دست و سرافگنده پست

که جایی کجا مایه چندین بود

فرستادن زن چه آیین بود

گراین خواسته زو پذیرم همه

ز من گردد آزرده شاه رمه

و گر بازگردانم از پیش زال

برآرد به کردار سیمرغ بال

برآورد سر گفت کاین خواسته

غلامان و پیلان آراسته

برید این به گنجور دستان دهید

به نام مه کابلستان دهید

Ganjoor · m17:10-17

Textual evidence

The gifts stretch two miles from the gate. Sahm fears offending either Shah or Zal and orders them to Dastan’s treasurer in the name of Kabul’s moon.

Interpretation

The English identifies that moon as Rudabeh, a sound contextual clarification. The record avoids casually calling this a personal bribe to Sahm: the text specifies a destination and beneficiary, though material wealth plainly helps create the opening for negotiation.

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20–28A private hearing begins in praiseMehr rendered as seal

20–28

Sindokht rejoiced; she saw good fortune rise,

And knew that evil faded from her eyes.

Three maidens came, each idol-faced and fair,

With jasmine bodies, cypress-tall and rare.

Each in her hand a jeweled goblet bore,

And stepped with measured grace across the floor.

Red rubies and bright pearls each vessel filled;

Before the chief their jeweled wealth was spilled.

They poured them out before the hero’s gaze,

A shining tribute offered to his praise.

When all withdrew and strangers left the place,

She turned to Sahm and spoke with steady grace:

“Your wisdom grants the old their youth again,

And teaches wisdom to the greatest men.

Through you the road of darkness turns to light;

The wise grow wiser standing in your sight.

Your seal has bound the hand that evil led;

Your gorz has opened God’s true road ahead.

پری روی سیندخت بر پیش سام

زبان کرد گویا و دل شادکام

چو آن هدیه‌ها را پذیرفته دید

رسیده بهی و بدی رفته دید

سه بت روی با او به یک جا بدند

سمن پیکر و سرو بالا بدند

گرفته یکی جام هر یک به دست

بفرمود کامد به جای نشست

به پیش سپهبد فرو ریختند

همه یک به دیگر برآمیختند

چو با پهلوان کار بر ساختند

ز بیگانه خانه بپرداختند

چنین گفت سیندخت با پهلوان

که با رای تو پیر گردد جوان

بزرگان ز تو دانش آموختند

به تو تیرگیها برافروختند

به مهر تو شد بسته دست بدی

به گرزت گشاده ره ایزدی

Ganjoor · m17:18-26

Textual evidence

Sindokht rejoices; three attendants pour gifts; strangers withdraw; her speech praises wisdom and the restraint of evil. Ganjoor 26 uses mehr, affection or favor, where English 28 gives “seal.”

Interpretation

The force of the opening is moral influence before martial strength. The seal reading makes an institutional image of a phrase whose displayed Persian is affection; this is a local semantic difference within an otherwise faithful diplomatic appeal.

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29–34The innocence of Kabul is the decisive distinction

29–34

If fault there was, it lay with Mehrab’s hand;

His eyes hold heart-blood shed for Kabul’s land.

Why should the innocent heads of Kabul fall?

What guilt have they committed, one and all?

They live to serve you, dust beneath your feet,

And deem your favor all their joy complete.

Fear Him who fashioned mind and strength on high,

Bright Venus and the sun within the sky.

Such slaughter cannot please the Maker’s will;

He did not shape the world for needless ill.

Gird not your strength for slaughter and for flame;

Let mercy, not bloodshed, attend your name.”

گنهکار گر بود مهراب بود

ز خون دلش دیده سیراب بود

سر بیگناهان کابل چه کرد

کجا اندر آورد باید بگرد

همه شهر زنده برای تواند

پرستنده و خاک پای تواند

ازان ترس کو هوش و زور آفرید

درخشنده ناهید و هور آفرید

نیاید چنین کارش از تو پسند

میان را به خون ریختن در مبند

Ganjoor · m17:27-31

Textual evidence

She says that if there is guilt it belongs to Mehrab, then asks what innocent heads have done and invokes the Creator of mind, strength, Venus and sun.

Interpretation

The English makes the argument lucid without inventing a universal abolition of war. Its precise demand is that the guilt attributed to rulers should not license the destruction of a whole city. This is the ethical center of the embassy.

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35–43Safe conduct comes before disclosure

35–43

Then Sahm replied: “Speak plainly and be clear:

Are you his lesser, or his honored peer?

You speak of her whom Zal has sought to wed;

Describe her fully, all that can be said:

Her mind, her form, her stature and her face,

Her hair, her nature, and her inward grace.”

She answered: “First, before I speak at all,

Swear me an oath that stands beyond recall.

Swear that no harm shall touch me or my own,

And all the truth to you shall then be known.

I hold a palace, treasure, household, kin;

First grant me safety, then I shall begin.

To Zabul I will send our hidden store,

The wealth long guarded behind Kabul’s door.

And what else you may fittingly require,

I shall provide according to desire.”

Sahm took her hand and swore as she required;

He pledged her safety, just as she desired.

بدو سام یل گفت با من بگوی

ازان کت بپرسم بهانه مجوی

تو مهراب را کهتری گر همال

مر آن دخت او را کجا دید زال

به روی و به موی و به خوی و خرد

به من گوی تا باکی اندر خورد

ز بالا و دیدار و فرهنگ اوی

بران سان که دیدی یکایک بگوی

بدو گفت سیندخت کای پهلوان

سر پهلوانان و پشت گوان

یکی سخت پیمانت خواهم نخست

که لرزان شود زو بر و بوم و رست

که از تو نیاید به جانم گزند

نه آنکس که بر من بود ارجمند

مرا کاخ و ایوان آباد هست

همان گنج و خویشان و بنیاد هست

چو ایمن شوم هر چه گویی بگوی

بگویم بجویم بدین آب روی

نهفته همه گنج کابلستان

بکوشم رسانم به زابلستان

جزین نیز هر چیز کاندر خورد

ببیند ز من مهتر پر خرد

گرفت آن زمان سام دستش به دست

ورا نیک بنواخت و پیمان ببست

Ganjoor · m17:32-43

Textual evidence

Sahm asks her relation to Mehrab and about the daughter. She demands protection for herself, her valued people and household before answering; he takes her hand and pledges it.

Interpretation

The English preserves the procedural intelligence of the exchange. Her silence has a reason, and the oath creates the conditions under which truth can be spoken. It is not an arbitrary suspense device detached from political risk.

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44–54She includes herself among the threatened lineage

44–54

She bowed, then rose once he had pledged his word,

And told the hidden truth that none had heard:

“My lineage springs from Zahhak’s ancient line;

My lord is Mehrab, warrior fierce and fine.

I am his consort, mother of that maid

For whom Zal’s heart in longing has been laid.

From deepest night until the dawn grew clear,

We called upon the Maker without fear.

All night we blessed the Shah, and Zal, and you,

And prayed that fortune favor all we do.

I come to learn what purpose fills your mind,

And what intent toward Kabul I shall find.

Who there is counted enemy or friend?

On knowing this our hopes and fears depend.

If we are guilty, evil in our seed,

Then crown and rule should pass from such a breed.

Here helpless I stand wholly in your hand;

Do what your judgment and your power command.

Strike whom you must, and bind whom you must bind;

Let guilt alone the weight of vengeance find.

But spare the innocent in Kabul’s keep;

Do not make guiltless hearts in sorrow weep.”

چو بشنید سیندخت سوگند او

همان راست گفتار و پیوند او

زمین را ببوسید و بر پای خاست

بگفت آنچه اندر نهان بود راست

که من خویش ضحاکم ای پهلوان

زن گرد مهراب روشن روان

همان مام رودابهٔ ماه روی

که دستان همی جان فشاند بروی

همه دودمان پیش یزدان پاک

شب تیره تا برکشد روز چاک

همی بر تو بر خواندیم آفرین

همان بر جهاندار شاه زمین

کنون آمدم تا هوای تو چیست

ز کابل ترا دشمن و دوست کیست

اگر ما گنهکار و بدگوهریم

بدین پادشاهی نه اندر خوریم

من اینک به پیش توام مستمند

بکش گر کشی ور ببندی ببند

دل بیگناهان کابل مسوز

کجا تیره روز اندر آید به روز

Ganjoor · m17:44-53

Textual evidence

After the oath Sindokht names herself as Zahhak’s kin, Mehrab’s wife and Rudabeh’s mother, then offers herself while repeating the plea for the innocent.

Interpretation

The English does not make her repudiate her family to save others. She contests collective punishment while standing inside the condemned house. “If we are guilty” is a conditional concession to the adversary’s premise, not a narrator’s verdict that she has committed a crime.

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55–65Recognition becomes a promise that survives death

55–65

Sahm listened well and saw before his sight

A woman wise, with soul both strong and bright.

Her face was spring, her form a cypress slim;

Her waist was narrow, every feature trim.

Her gait was like a pheasant, proud and fair;

Deep judgment marked her speech and every air.

He said: “My word shall stand, though life be lost;

My oath is firm, whatever be the cost.

Return in peace and dwell without alarm;

No shadow shall approach or bring you harm.

Throughout the world Zal could not find a bride

Like Rudabeh to stand as equal at his side.

Though sprung from other roots, your house I own

As worthy too of diadem and throne.

No shame is found in what the heavens send;

Against the Maker’s will no man can contend.

One rises high, another falls below;

Such is the world, as all its changes show.

One grows in wealth, another fades in need;

Prosperity and want in turn succeed.

Yet both at last return to earth and clay;

For all must meet the same appointed day.

سخنها چو بشنید ازو پهلوان

زنی دید با رای و روشن روان

به رخ چون بهار و به بالا چو سرو

میانش چو غرو و به رفتن تذرو

چنین داد پاسخ که پیمان من

درست است اگر بگسلد جان من

تو با کابل و هر که پیوند تست

بمانید شادان دل و تن‌درست

بدین نیز همداستانم که زال

ز گیتی چو رودابه جوید همال

شما گرچه از گوهر دیگرید

همان تاج و اورنگ را در خورید

چنین است گیتی وزین ننگ نیست

ابا کردگار جهان جنگ نیست

چنان آفریند که آیدش رای

نمانیم و ماندیم با های های

یکی بر فراز و یکی در نشیب

یکی با فزونی یکی با نهیب

یکی از فزایش دل آراسته

ز کمی دل دیگری کاسته

Ganjoor · m17:54-63

Textual evidence

Sahm praises her judgment, guarantees the oath even at the cost of life, accepts the match and acknowledges that another ancestry can still be worthy of crown and throne.

Interpretation

The English’s evaluation of Sindokht is explicitly supported by the Persian. Her beauty remains part of the description, but it does not displace the reasoning that has changed the encounter. This is a negotiated shift in judgment, not merely a softened reaction to a pleasing face.

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66–74Hope, love and an altered ancestry epithet

66–74

I will support your cause and be your guide;

Your grief and pleading I cannot set aside.

To Manuchehr I wrote, my purpose shown,

And Zal has gone to make the matter known.

He flew as if no saddle held him fast,

His horse outstripped the winds that hurried past.

The bird-raised youth stood weeping in a flood;

His tears had pooled around his feet like mud.

The Shah will answer kindly to his plea;

For love has bent his spirit, you shall see.

If she returns his love with equal flame,

Both lovers might burst from their skins the same.

Now let me see this maid who caused such strife,

And won my dear son’s heart, and changed his life.

Now show me that young dragon’s child to see,

And take the fitting price you earn from me.

Her face may please me when she comes to view,

And what she says may prove her judgment true.”

یکی نامه با لابهٔ دردمند

نبشتم به نزدیک شاه بلند

به نزد منوچهر شد زال زر

چنان شد که گفتی برآورده پر

به زین اندر آمد که زین را ندید

همان نعل اسپش زمین را ندید

بدین زال را شاه پاسخ دهد

چو خندان شود رای فرخ نهد

که پروردهٔ مرغ بی‌دل شدست

از آب مژه پای در گل شدست

عروس ار به مهر اندرون همچو اوست

سزد گر برآیند هر دو ز پوست

یکی روی آن بچهٔ اژدها

مرا نیز بنمای و بستان بها

Ganjoor · m17:64-70

Textual evidence

Sahm reports the letter and Zal’s ride, expects a good answer and asks to see the “dragon’s child.” English 72 first paraphrases the request without the epithet, then retains it at 73.

Interpretation

The gentler paraphrase does not erase the inherited vocabulary. In the new tone the epithet can become teasing curiosity, but the word still recalls the prejudice that made the meeting dangerous. The royal outcome remains expected rather than known.

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75–83A threatened city becomes a host

75–83

She answered: “If you ride within our hall,

Your servant’s head will rise above them all.

Come with your steed into our palace bright;

Your coming will lift Kabul’s heart to light.

If Sahm should enter Kabul as its guide,

Our people gladly would lay life aside.

Our lives are yours; before you we shall stand,

If only you will honor Kabul’s land.”

He saw her lips now smiling, fear withdrawn,

The root of enmity from her heart gone.

He laughed and said: “Let fear no longer stay;

This matter soon shall move the wished-for way.”

She took her leave, her mission fully done,

Her face grew ruby-bright beneath the sun.

A courier swift she sent ahead in flight:

“Rejoice,” she said, “cast every fear from sight.

Prepare yourself to greet a noble guest;

I follow soon; let all be at its best.”

بدو گفت سیندخت اگر پهلوان

کند بنده را شاد و روشن روان

چماند به کاخ من اندر سمند

سرم بر شود به آسمان بلند

به کابل چنو شهریار آوریم

همه پیش او جان نثار آوریم

لب سام سیندخت پرخنده دید

همه بیخ کین از دلش کنده دید

نوندی دلاور به کردار باد

برافگند و مهراب را مژده داد

کز اندیشهٔ بد مکن یاد هیچ

دلت شاد کن کار مهمان بسیچ

من اینک پس نامه اندر دمان

بیایم نجویم به ره بر زمان

Ganjoor · m17:71-77

Textual evidence

Sindokht invites Sahm to Kabul; his smile signals removal of hostility; she sends news that a guest must be received.

Interpretation

The English gives the invitation room to show its political reversal: the armed destroyer is being asked to enter as an honored guest. Sending the courier does not mean she has already returned home; the next-day farewell still follows.

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84–99Property and escort secure the settlement

84–99

Next day the sun sprang like a fountain clear,

And heads rose wakeful as the dawn drew near.

At Sahm’s great gate a stir of welcome ran:

“The moon of women comes,” cried every man.

Sindokht returned and bowed before the chief,

Then spoke at length, her heart released from grief.

She asked permission to return, and bring

Her joy to Kabul, to its waiting king.

“I must prepare to greet the coming guest,

And send the bridegroom home with bond expressed.”

He said, “Go forth, tell him all you have heard;

Let every plan proceed by rightful word.”

He gave rich robes and gifts for Mehrab’s share,

And gifts for Sindokht, splendid, rich, and rare.

For Rudabeh he sent choice gifts, well weighed,

Rich, fair, and fitting for the moon-faced maid.

He granted all he owned in Kabul’s land,

Its halls and gardens into Sindokht’s hand.

Its tilled estates, its herds, its household store,

Its robes and furnishings, and even more.

He gave them all to seal the peace they made,

A lordly gift in full before her laid.

He clasped her hand and swore again his vow:

“Be safe, and dread no enemy from now.

I take your daughter now for Zal to wed;

Let joy between the two of them be spread.”

Two hundred warriors joined her homeward train,

A guard of honor riding rein to rein.

With fortune favoring every step she made,

She turned toward home beneath that guarded aid.

Her moonlike face, once withered under care,

Now bloomed again, restored and shining fair.

دوم روز چون چشمهٔ آفتاب

بجنبید و بیدار شد سر ز خواب

گرانمایه سیندخت بنهاد روی

به درگاه سالار دیهیم جوی

روارو برآمد ز درگاه سام

مه بانوان خواندندش به نام

بیامد بر سام و بردش نماز

سخن گفت بااو زمانی دراز

به دستوری بازگشتن به جای

شدن شادمان سوی کابل خدای

دگر ساختن کار مهمان نو

نمودن به داماد پیمان نو

ورا سام یل گفت برگرد و رو

بگو آنچه دیدی به مهراب گو

سزاوار او خلعت آراستند

ز گنج آنچه پرمایه‌تر خواستند

بکابل دگر سام را هر چه بود

ز کاخ و زباغ و زکشت و درود

دگر چارپایان دوشیدنی

ز گستردنی هم ز پوشیدنی

به سیندخت بخشید و دستش بدست

گرفت و یکی نیز پیمان ببست

پذیرفت مر دخت او را بزال

که باشند هر دو بشادی همال

سرافراز گردی و مردی دویست

بدو داد و گفتش که ایدر مایست

به کابل بباش و به شادی بمان

ازین پس مترس از بد بدگمان

شگفته شد آن روی پژمرده ماه

به نیک اختری برگرفتند راه

Ganjoor · m17:78-92

Textual evidence

At the next audience Sahm grants leave, gifts, his Kabul estates and herds to Sindokht, renews the marriage undertaking and assigns two hundred warriors.

Interpretation

The English preserves tangible results of her diplomacy. The grant is Sahm’s property in Kabul, not a transfer of every possession belonging to every inhabitant. The escort is the public sign of safety that the secretive first approach lacked.

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The chapter in five texts

Parallel text

Narrative and poetic form

Couplet commentary

Chapter source record